2. To collect information on by-catches of other commercial fish and shellfish species.

3. To collect biological data on scallop growth rates.

Narrative

The scientific staff joined FRV Alba na Mara at 1000 hours on 17 February and the vessel left Fraserburgh at 1030, arriving at Levenwick Bay at 0400 next day. Sampling began NE of Sumburgh at 0800 on 18 February and three hauls were undertaken then as the weather was favourable, the decision was taken to head to the stations W of Scalloway and two hauls were completed before the vessel made for Scalloway. On 19 February a further six stations were completed and the vessel made passage for Levenwick Bay. On 20 February a further six hauls were completed however, on the seventh haul the port side of the gear came fast and the warp snapped with little warning. The decision was taken to steam to Lerwick and rig up a replacement side of gear and provision was made to repair the snapped warp. On 22 February, the vessel remained in Lerwick due to bad weather again. Sampling resumed on 23 February and continued on the east side of Shetland until the vessel made for Fraserburgh on 5 February. Limited stations were completed in all areas except St Magnus Bay, which was not sampled due to adverse weather conditions. The vessel arrived in Fraserburgh at 1500 on 2 March. Scientific staff returned to the laboratory with all equipment and samples on the morning of 3 March.